45 Famous Muhammad Ali Quotes

Muhammad Ali, also known as “The Greatest,” was one of the most iconic athletes of the 20th century. His legacy extends far beyond the boxing ring, as he was also an activist, philanthropist, and poet. Muhammad Ali was known for his quick wit, sharp tongue, and his ability to inspire and motivate people through his words and quotes.

Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He began boxing at the age of 12 and quickly became one of the most promising young fighters in the sport. Ali won a gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and went on to become the first three-time heavyweight champion of the world. He passed away on June 3, 2016, but his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Today, we’ve compiled some of Ali’s most famous quotes that showcase his wisdom, humor, and courage. From his thoughts on perseverance and success to his views on social justice and equality, these quotes demonstrate why Muhammad Ali was not just a legendary boxer, but also a cultural icon and an inspiration to many. So, sit back, read on, and let the words of “The Greatest” inspire you to be the best version of yourself.

I hope you enjoy these Muhammad Ali quotes…

"I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and peace." - Muhammad Ali

1) “I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and peace.” – Muhammad Ali

2) “I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was. I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I was really the greatest.” – Muhammad Ali

3) “I am the astronaut of boxing. Joe Louis and Dempsey were just jet pilots. I’m in a world of my own.” – Muhammad Ali

4) “At home, I am a nice guy: but I don’t want the world to know. Humble people, I’ve found, don’t get very far.” – Muhammad Ali

5) “A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” – Muhammad Ali

6) “The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.” – Muhammad Ali

7) “Don’t count the days. Make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali

8) “I done wrestled with an alligator, I done tussled with a whale; handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail; only last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalised a brick; I’m so mean I make medicine sick.” – Muhammad Ali

9) “The fight is won or lost far away from the witnesses, behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” – Muhammad Ali

Train hard and live your life as a champion…

"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" - Muhammad Ali
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10) “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'” – Muhammad Ali

11) “It’s hard to be humble when you’re as great as I am.” – Muhammad Ali

12) “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali

13) “Friendship…is not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” – Muhammad Ali

14) “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali

15) “What you’re thinking is what you’re becoming.” – Muhammad Ali

16) “If you even dream of beating me you’d better wake up and apologize.” – Muhammad Ali

17) “I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.” – Muhammad Ali

18) “Braggin’ is when a person says something and can’t do it. I do what I say.” – Muhammad Ali

19) “It isn’t the mountains ahead that wear you down. It’s the pebble in your shoe.” – Muhammad Ali

Impossible is nothing…

"Impossible is just a word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration, it's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing." - Muhammad Ali

20) “Impossible is just a word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration, it’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” – Muhammad Ali

21) “Life is so, so short. Bible says it’s like a vapor.” – Muhammad Ali

22) “A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” – Muhammad Ali

23) “I’m the most recognized and loved man that ever lived cuz there weren’t no satellites when Jesus and Moses were around, so people far away in the villages didn’t know about them.” – Muhammad Ali

24) “If my mind can conceive it, if my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it.” – Muhammad Ali

Wise Quotes by Muhammad Ali

"It's not bragging if you can back it up." - Muhammad Ali

25) “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” – Muhammad Ali

26) “The name Muhammad is the most common name in the world. In all the countries around the world – Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon – there are more Muhammads than anything else. When I joined the Nation of Islam and became a Muslim, they gave me the most famous name because I was the champ.” – Muhammad Ali

27) “Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.” – Muhammad Ali

28) “I wish people would love everybody else the way they love me. It would be a better world.” – Muhammad Ali

29) “It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” – Muhammad Ali

One of the most famous quotes ever by Muhammad Ali…

"Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee. You can't hit what your eyes don't see. Now you see me, now you don’t. George thinks he will, but I know he won’t." - Muhammad Ali

30) “Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee. You can’t hit what your eyes don’t see. Now you see me, now you don’t. George thinks he will, but I know he won’t.” – Muhammad Ali

31) “I shook up the world. Me!” – Muhammad Ali

32) “I should be a postage stamp. That’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.” – Muhammad Ali

33) “Silence is golden when you can’t think of a good answer.” – Muhammad Ali

34) “I’m so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark.” – Muhammad Ali

35) “The will must be stronger than the skill.” – Muhammad Ali

36) “If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something out of you.” – Muhammad Ali

37) “There are no pleasures in a fight, but some of my fights have been a pleasure to win.” – Muhammad Ali

38) “I used to tease Joe Louis by reminding him that I was the greatest of all time. But Joe Louis was the greatest heavyweight fighter ever.” – Muhammad Ali

39) “We can’t be brave without fear.” – Muhammad Ali

Quotes by “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali

"I don't count the sit-ups. I only start counting when it starts hurting. When I feel pain, that's when I start counting, because that's when it really counts. That's what makes you a champion." - Muhammad Ali

40) “I don’t count the sit-ups. I only start counting when it starts hurting. When I feel pain, that’s when I start counting, because that’s when it really counts. That’s what makes you a champion.” – Muhammad Ali

41) “The man who has no imagination has no wings.” – Muhammad Ali

42) “I wish people would love everybody else the way they love me. It would be a better world.” – Muhammad Ali

43) “I would like to be remembered as a man who won the heavyweight title three times. Who was humorous and who treated everyone right. As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him, and who helped as many people as he could. As a man who stood up for his beliefs no matter what. As a man who tried to unite all humankind through faith and love. And if all that’s too much, then I guess I’d settle for being remembered only as a great boxer who became a leader and a champion of his people. And I wouldn’t even mind if folks forgot how pretty I was.” – Muhammad Ali

44) “You don’t have to be in a boxing ring to be a great fighter. As long as you are true to yourself, you will succeed in your fight for that in which you believe.” – Muhammad Ali

45) “I’m young; I’m handsome; I’m fast. I can’t possibly be beat.” – Muhammad Ali

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